1777,
the several states of Europe had their eyes fixed on the contest between
this country and the colonies. The French government assisted the
Americans with fleets and armies, though they did not enter into the
contest _publicly_. Queen Charlotte still persevered in her designs
against America, and bore entire sway over her unfortunate husband. The
country, as might be expected, was in a state of great excitement, owing
to the adoption of measures inimical to the wishes and well-being of the
people. The greater power the throne assumed, the larger amounts were
necessarily drawn from the people, to reward fawning courtiers and
borough proprietors.
This year, thirteen millions of money were deemed needful for the public
service, and the debts of the civil list a _second_ time discharged! At
this time, the revenue did not amount to eight millions, and to supply
the consequent deficiency, new taxes were again levied upon the people;
for ministers carried all their bills, however infamous they might be,
by large majorities!
In May, Lord Chatham again addressed the "peers," and called their
attention to the necessity of changing the proceedings of government.
Although bowed down by age and infirmity, and bearing a crutch in each
hand, he delivered his sentiments, with all the ardour of youth, in
these words: "I wish the removal of accumulated grievances, and the
repeal of every oppressive act which have been passed since the year
1763! I am experienced in spring hopes and vernal promises, but at last
will come your equinoctial disappointment."
On another occasion, he said, "I will not join in congratulation on
misfortune and disgrace! _It is necessary to instruct the throne in the
language of truth!_ We must dispel the delusions and darkness which
envelop it. I am old and weak, and at present unable to say more; but my
feelings and indignation were too strong to permit me to say less."
Alas! this patriot stood nearly alone. In his opinion, the good of the
people was the supreme law; but this was opposed to the sentiments of
the hirelings of state and their _liberal_ mistress.
As a last effort, the earl resolved to seek an audience of the queen,
and the request was readily complied with. The day previous to his last
speech, delivered in the House of Lords, this interview took place. His
lordship pressed the queen to relieve the people, and, by every possible
means, to mitigate the public burdens. But, though her majesty was
gentle in her language, she expressed herself positively and decisively
as being adverse to his views; and took the opportunity of reminding him
of the _secrecy of state affairs_. As Lord Chatham had once given his
solemn promise never to permit those secrets to transpire, he resolved
faithfully to keep his engagement, though their disclosure would have
opened the eyes of the public to the disgraceful proceedings of herself
and ministers. The noble earl retired from his royal audience in much
confusion and agitation of mind; and on the following day, April the
7th, went to the House, and delivered a most energetic speech, which was
replied to by the Duke of Richmond. Lord Chatham afterwards made an
effort to rise, as if labouring to give expression to some great idea;
but, before he could utter a word, pressed his hand on his bosom, and
fell down in a convulsive fit. The Duke of Cumberland and Lord Temple
caught him in their arms, and removed him into the prince's chamber.
Medical assistance being immediately rendered, in a short time his
lordship in some measure recovered, and was removed to his favourite
villa at Hayes, in Kent. Hopes of his complete restoration to health,
however, proved delusive, and on the 10th of May,
1778,
this venerable and noble friend of humanity expired, in the seventieth
year of his age.
The news of the earl's death was not disagreeable to the queen; and she
thenceforth determined to increase, rather than decrease, her arbitrary
measures. Ribbons, stars, and garters, were bestowed upon those who lent
their willing aid to support her system of oppression, while thousands
were perishing in want to supply the means.
Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, this year, were servile
enough to raise regiments at their own expense; but the independent and
brave citizens of London, steady to their principles, that the war was
_unjust_, refused to follow so mean an example!